Web client

There is a web client that you can use - it's not as good, however. It only runs while your web browser is open, so it tends to be easier to disconnect by accident. You can't set it to connect whenever you turn your computer on, say. It also has adverts. But it does work, and is quite handy when you're using a computer that you can't install anything on.

Type in a nickname. This can either be your real name (eg. Bob), or a nickname (eg. Joseki). The limitations are that it can't be too long, it can't be anything that someone else is currently using (try it and see - it'll tell you if it's already taken), and it's usually better to stick with the same name once you've been on before - you can change it later if you want, but it can get very confusing when the same person keeps changing their name!

Click on Connect. The main window will appear, showing things that have been said on the channel. Beneath this is a bar where you can type things in - the things you type will appear in the channel, and everyone else will see them too. On the right is a list of names - this lists everyone who's currently connected to the channel, although they might not actually be around to talk at the time - see below for more about this.

Smartphone client

There are a small number of clients that can be used on your smartphone. Disclaimer: I've not used many of them, and I've only used Android options, but there'll be alternatives for your iPhone/iPad (try searching the app store for 'IRC client'). If you have any recommendations, let us know and we can update these instructions!

Download HoloIRC, and run the program. Swipe sideways to show the list of servers on the left, if it isn't already shown.

Click on the + button at the top, and enter the following details into the 'Server Settings' page:

Server title: Go Club

Server URL: irc.durge.org

Server port: 6667

Nick Names - This can either be your real name (eg. Bob), or a nickname (eg. Joseki). The limitations are that it can't be too long, it can't be anything that someone else is currently using (if it's already taken it'll try using the name in the 'Second choice' box, then if necessary the name in the 'Third choice' box, so you can try various options to see what's available), and it's usually better to stick with the same name once you've been on before - you can change it later if you want, but it can get very confusing when the same person keeps changing their name!

Real Name - Your actual name, if you want people to be able to find out who you are

Auto-join channels - This brings up a blank window. Click on the + in the top right, and enter #go. Press the back button on your phone to go back.

The other settings should be fine to leave as defaults; press the back button on your phone to go back.

Click on the Go Club entry on the servers list. It should give you a page with text starting 'Connecting to server', and 'Go Club / Connected' at the top.

Swipe left to get the server list again, and you'll see #go has appeared at the bottom. Click on this.

The main window will appear, showing things that have been said on the channel. Beneath this is a bar (marked 'Message') where you can type things in - the things you type will appear in the channel when yuo press return, and everyone else will see them too. The 'Users' button at the top gives you a list of names - this lists everyone who's currently connected to the channel, although they might not actually be around to talk at the time - see below for more about this.

IRC channel details

If you already know about IRC, point your client at irc.green-dragon.org or irc.durge.org (or compsoc.dur.ac.uk if inside the University firewall) port 6667, and head to channel #go.

You probably know it all already, but glace through the General Use notes, just in case.

General use notes

'I connected, and there were people around, but no one said anything! So I gave up and left' - This is something that several people have said when they first tried connecting.

It's quite normal for it to be quiet sometimes - say Hello and wait to see who replies.

People are usually online, but they might not actually be at their computers at that moment - they might be asleep, or in the pub, or busy doing something else.

Don't just leave because it's quiet for a while! People are likely to come back later, so hang around - leave the client running while you do something else, and see what happens.

Make sure you say something when you go onto the channel (if you want to talk) - someone else might be around, but they probably won't notice that you've arrived if you don't say anything, and they'll not talk to you if they don't know you're there!

I would recommend (if you're not using the web version) setting it to connect when you switch on your computer. That way when people talk you'll know about it, and you have a chance to respond. Don't worry - lots of people lurk on the channel, often not saying anything for ages.

If you talk in the main channel, then everyone can see what you've said. You can also talk to people individually, if you want to send someone specific a message. To do this, click on their name - a new tab should open. You can then type into this and it will appear on just their client.

There's a lot more that you can do with IRC (the system that this runs on), but this should be enough to get you started. If you want to find out more then the internet has a lot more information, or alternatively ask on the channel - someone should be able to point you in the right direction.

Other channels

Other societies have channels on the same server - to join them, type in the command '/join #channel' (without the apostrophes), where #channel is the name of the channel you want to join.

These include:

#compsoc for the Computing Society

#duwas for the Whisky Appreciation Society (may no longer exist)

This list is probably incomplete, and others have existed in the past. It's easy to set one up for your society or group - if you need help with this, get in touch.